Strath nan Lub land managment plan consultation

The Strath nan Lub Land Management Plan area (PDF 963KB) lies to the south of Strachur and to the north of Ormidale on the Cowal Penninsula. It lies parallel to the A886 just to the west of the Argyll Forest Park. The total area is 2580ha of which just over 1000ha are forested. The remainder is made up of managed open space and includes the Cruach Mhor Wind Farm. The elevation ranges from 30m at Glendaruel to 586m at the summit of Meall Dubh and the varied landform is a mix of peat flats, rolling slopes and craggy outcrops.

Climatic conditions favour the strong growth of Sitka spruce and this is the dominant species in the forested area, meeting a key objective of timber production. The oldest productive stands date back to the 1950’s and account for roughly 25% of forest cover, the majority of cover is now 2nd rotation forestry established in the late 1980’s accounting for a further 44%. There are a number of other tree species within the area but these account for a relatively small percentage of the total. The large amount of open space is a mixture of ground managed for environmental benefits and grazing leased to local residents.

Cruach Mhor windfarm was completed in 2004 and is managed by Scottish Power Renewables. The windfarm takes up a not insignificant part of the forest management area, accounting for roughly 11%. It is capable of generating 30 Megawatts of power which is fed into the National Grid. The Forestry Commission will continue to work with Scottish Power Renewables to help ensure smooth airflow is provided to the turbines to maintain optimum efficiency in electricity production.

Though Strath nan Lub does not play a major part in the provision of recreation facilities it does host a section of the Cowal Way and also access to local residents for shorter walks, one of the aims of this plan will be to maintain that level of access and, where possible, improve the visitor experience.

Timeline

The plan is in the first stages of preparation and consultation with key stakeholders will begin early in 2019. It is expected that the plan will be submitted for approval in late spring 2019.